Barry objects to deal for Angelos – The Wash. Times
This is an awkward situation to be in, but Marion Barry (D, Ward-8) and I are in agreement on something, so I am not even going to run his customary file photo. He wants MLB to stop negotiating with Peter Angelo$ because it could (will) be a bad deal for D.C. Wow. My mouth just about dropped when I saw this on Basil Tsimpris’ Nationals Inquirer yesterday evening. My position on Barry is well-known, but I like Angelo$ even less. Jack Evans (D, Ward-2) appreciated the letter too.
In the end, will it make a difference? No, but it feels good, sort of like calling the Orioles to demand our Nats TV. Keep it up though.
Peter Schmuck of The Sun has a pretty good column (for a change) about what is going on between Angelo$ and Bud Selig and has some numbers.
Chavez Begins to Take the Lead – The Post
I am not sure if a .250 BA/OBP (no walks yet) quite qualifies as taking the lead.
Godwin Gave It the Old College Try – The Post
Longshot Tyrell Goodwin was not always this way. Back in 1997, he was a 1st round pick of the Yankees, but elected to play baseball and football at Carolina instead. He picked up a couple of knee injuries and was cast away from Toronto after four years in the minors. He has no regrets and is trying to catch on with the Nats.
Thomas Boswell – For Nats, ERA + OPS + Chemistry = .500 (but It’s Not an Exact Science) – The Post
Finally a Tom Boswell column that even Ryan Moore can enjoy. Bos heaps praise on ¡LIVAN! (should this be italicized ?) and takes a look at the Nats offense. He lets CF/1B/LF/BB Brad Wilkerson close out the column for him:
“We’re ready to show what we can do,” said Wilkerson last week. “It’s tough to come out and play in front of 3,000 or 4,000 people [in Montreal]. Your fans can get you over the top. People underestimate that extra boost.”
The Nationals’ early season crowds may be 10 times that number. “No more excuses,” said Wilkerson, beaming at the novel thought of playing before a sea of friendly fans for the first time in his career. “I’m ready for that right now.”
Ah, Viera in the Springtime – The Post
Marc Fisher gets a byline in the Travel section for his write-up of the Nats spring training home. From this and all the other things I have read, I conclude that Viera must be the worst spring training site in the Grapefruit League in terms of other things to do that do not include big-box shopping.
I recall that years ago, when my family was making a yearly pilgrimage to South Florida, seeing the billboard for the “spring training home of the Florida Marlins.” I also recall that between Jacksonville (another maligned Florida town) and about PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach County, there was nothing to see on I-95 except Ron Jon’s billboards and the occasional “Cafe…well, let’s keep this work-safe” billboard, so I guess Viera is pretty desolate.
Beltran may face surgery – The Wash. Times
That is RF Francis Beltran, not Carlos and it looks like the first graf is missing from this article. Termel Sledge is also out for a few days with a bad shoulder.
Robinson’s Thoughts on New Stadium – WTOP
Neal Augenstein talks to Frank Robinson about hopes for the new ballpark.
The Pining Ends On Opening Day – The Post
Tom Holster, founding president of the Washington Baseball Historical Society gets a long profile today. He is also worried that it can still get fouled up.
Marc Fisher – Grand Plan For Ballpark Raises Stakes – The Post
More about developer Herb Miller’s plan for the ballpark and what it could mean for the District.